Vermilion rockfish are true royalty of the underwater world. Their brilliant red-orange coloring makes them stand out among the cold waters, especially when sunlight filters through the water and catches their scales.

This piece was inspired by a dive in Monterey, California, where I encountered one of these striking fish near the towering kelp. There is something regal about watching a vermilion rockfish calmly survey its surroundings, seemingly unbothered by the activity of the reef around it.

Original acrylic pointillism on 14 × 14-inch canvas.

The original has SOLD.

Prints can be found in the shop.